Personal injury cases happen when a person suffers harm as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions. These can affect many aspects of life, such as health, financial stability, and the ability to fulfill daily activities. Building a strong claim will require documentation, evidence, and an effective legal strategy to ensure the injured victim is given fair compensation.ย
Whether the harm came from a motor vehicle accident, dangerous property conditions, or any other type of preventable incident, the priority remains the same for West Coast Trial Lawyers, and that is to help affected individuals recover physically, emotionally, and financially. When you are involved in a legal matter, having the right support on your side can make a notable difference with your recovery and the outcome of your claim.
Our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of achieving client satisfaction, having recovered over $1.7 billion in settlements. With a skilled team managing investigations and negotiations, you can focus on healing while we work to protect your interests and seek the compensation you deserve.
To set up a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (310) 919-5962 or filling out our convenient online contact form.
Why Hire West Coast Trial Lawyers After an Accident?
At West Coast Trial lawyers, we offer tailored services backed by our extensive experience with coordinating several types of cases, including car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and more. Our legal team understands how devastating these situations can be and are determined to help injured clients recover damages for the losses they incurred.
24/7 Client Availability
Accidents do not wait for business hours and neither do we. Reach us 24/7 for immediate help.
Results You Can Trust
Nearly 1,000 5-star reviews across Facebook, Google, and Yelp, shows our commitment to client satisfaction, time and time again.
No Upfront Legal Fees
Getting legal help shouldnโt add financial stress. Our legal team works under a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. No exceptions.
Legal Support in Multiple Languages
With a large multilingual team on staff, we make it easy for you to understand your rights and feel fully supported throughout your case.
You Are Never Alone in the Process
No matter where you are in your case, weโre here to help, answer questions, and make things as clear and stress-free as possible.
What Is Personal Injury?
Personal injury is a legal term used to refer to physical pain, emotional distress, or psychological harm caused by someone else’s negligence. It forms the basis of civil litigation where the injured victim seeks compensation for losses endured, like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These cases ensure affected individuals have a legal avenue for financial recovery, and to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer represents individuals who have been hurt by another’s negligence, assisting them through the legal process. They will investigate the situation by reviewing the accident report, collecting witness statements, and looking into medical documentation. They will also oversee the negotiation process with insurance companies, ensuring injured clients are not forced into approving an unreasonable offer.
Attorneys will provide personalized support, which will help affected individuals understand their rights and options while simultaneously managing legal burdens that may arise with complex cases. Whether through settlement discussions or courtroom advocacy, their priority is to defend a client’s interests and pursue maximum compensation to cover damages.
How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer?
To specifically choose a personal injury lawyer, you will need to look into law firms that have legal services available for your type of case, and that there is an experienced team ready to give you a helping hand. From there, you will need to focus on attorneys who have a proven history of filing personal injury claims similar to your situation.
During your consultation, evaluate how they communicate with you and what strategy they will incorporate when it comes to your case. Asking about fee structures and reviewing client testimonials can also help you make an informed decision and allow you to choose the lawyer that is best suited to manage your claim.
What Qualifies for a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim may be sought when someone suffers harm because of another’s negligence, as recognized under personal injury law. Usually, cases involve serious injuries that lead to medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress, or long-term impacts on quality of life. Whether a claim is valid will vary based on several factors, including the severity of the injury and proof of negligence.
What Is the Most Common Personal Injury Claim?
The most common personal injury claim our law firm manages are motor vehicle accidents. These cases can trigger many types of injuries, from broken bones and soft tissue damage to more catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injury and spine damage. Below is a list of practice areas we cover:
- Beverly Hills Car Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Motorcycle Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Truck Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Premises Liability Attorney
- Beverly Hills Bus Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Bicycle Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Brain Injury Attorney
- Beverly Hills Burn Injury Attorney
- Beverly Hills Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Attorney
- Beverly Hills Scooter Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
- Beverly Hills Dog Bite Attorney
- Beverly Hills Food Delivery Accident Attorney
- Beverly Hills Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Each of these personal injury cases contain significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Our legal team will work to investigate matters surrounding the incident, collect evidence, and seek fair compensation on your behalf. We will make sure that each client is given the guidance and support that is needed to effectively navigate the claims process and pursue justice for damages incurred.
What to Do After an Accident?
After an accident, the first step would be to contact your local law enforcement and ensure a police report is filed with the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). Doing so will create an official record of the incident. Try to get details from the at fault party and acquire eyewitness accounts whenever possible, as these statements can help establish liability and support your personal injury lawsuit. Acting fast will allow you to protect your health, preserve evidence, and enhance your case for compensation.
Next, you should seek medical attention even if you think your injuries do not seem to be serious as some forms of bodily damage can appear later on or worsen over time. You can visit nearby health facilities, such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center or UCLA Medical Center, to ensure you are given an evaluation and treatment. Be sure to document each of your medical appointments and any care you receive.
Once you have addressed your immediate medical concerns, you should speak to a Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer and have them go over your case. They will get evidence, review the police report, and guide you through the whole ordeal. A skilled attorney will also be able to manage communications with insurance companies and represent you in court (if needed), ensuring you have the strongest chance at securing a fair settlement.
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Personal Injury?
If you got into an accident in Beverly Hills, you may pursue legal action against the at fault party to recover compensation. For most personal injury cases, like car accidents, slip and falls, and premises liability claims, you will have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit (California Penal Code ยง 335.1).
Certain cases will have different time limits. For instance, if the situation involves a government entity, like the City of Beverly Hills, you will usually be required to submit an administrative claim within six months from when the accident initially happened (CCP ยง 911.2). This step needs to be done before seeking a full lawsuit against a public agency.
Missing these deadlines will prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is very important to act quickly. Consulting with a Beverly Hills attorney will ensure that timelines are met and your claim is effectively handled.
What Are Special Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
In personal injury cases, special damages may refer to economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses an injured person is able to recover. These include costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and property damage stemming from the event. Such damages are calculated based on bills, receipts, and records.
Non-economic damages may also be provided. This compensates for intangible losses, like emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
In rare cases, the court may also give punitive damages. This is done to punish the wrongdoer for exhibiting reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent behavior, and to deter similar conduct in the future (California Civil Code ยง 3294).
To learn what you could be eligible for, you can enter the losses you sustained into our personal injury settlement calculator to receive an approximate estimate.
Injured in an Accident? Our Beverly Hills Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help
If you have been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, it is important that you protect your legal rights as soon as you can. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills personal injury lawyers are here to assist you through every step of the process, from investigating your case to advocating on your behalf to ensure you are awarded favorable results.
We offer FREE initial consultations so you can go over your situation with no obligation and learn how our skilled team can help you move forward efficiently. Reach out to us today to get started with your claim by calling (310) 919-5962 or completing our quick online contact form.
โBeverly Hills Personal Injury FAQ
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
In Beverly Hills, most personal injury lawyers will run on a contingency-fee basis. Payment will only be collected if you receive compensation either through a settlement or a court verdict. This arrangement makes legal representation more accessible for personal injury victims.
The exact percentage that will be deducted from the total settlement will vary based on the complications of the case, the amount of work required, and whether the claim settles quickly or goes to trial.
โCan I Fire My Personal Injury Lawyer?
You can fire your personal injury lawyer at any given time. Clients are not required to continue with legal services if they are not satisfied with it, especially if the lawyer does not show clear communication or cannot handle the case properly.ย
But, it is important to look into any agreements you signed as some law firms may be entitled to compensation for work that was already performed or costs incurred on your behalf. Speaking with someone who possesses the skills and qualities of an experienced personal injury lawyer before making the change can help ensure there is a smooth transition.
Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?
In most cases, personal injury settlements are not taxable under federal and state law if compensation is for physical pain or sickness. This includes amounts given for medical expenses, lost wages from bodily harm, emotional distress, and pain and suffering directly stemming from the physical injury.ย
But, there are exceptions. Any portion of a settlement that represents punitive damages or interests earned may be subject to taxation. Furthermore, if your settlement compensates for non-physical issues, like lost profits or financial losses unrelated to injury, those could also be taxable.
How Long Should a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?
The timeline to resolve personal injury matters will vary based on the extent of bodily harm incurred, degree of negligence, and how cooperative the insurance company is willing to be. Minor cases may settle within a couple of months when medical treatment has been stabilized. However, more complicated claims, like those that involve ongoing care and disputed liability, can take a year or even longer.ย
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help simplify the legal process by organizing evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and preparing your claim before negotiations begin. Receiving guidance and support can help prevent delays, protect you from accepting a low value settlement, and ensure you get the best possible outcome in a timely manner.
